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South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guide
This beautifully illustrated large-format book showcases some 2,400 South African indigenous plants, making it a comprehensive guide to the range of local plants available to gardeners to transform their outdoor spaces.
An Introduction lays the groundwork, covering climate, various garden styles, spatial planning and garden maintenance, as well as giving suggestions for attracting wildlife to the garden.
The encyclopaedic Plant Catalogue forms the bulk of the book. Plants are grouped by growth form into 13 chapters, from bulbs, orchids and aloes through to shrubs, grasses, trees and fynbos. The introduction to each group provides essential information on the selection, planting and feeding of the species, and gives tips on growing and maintaining them in the garden or in containers.
Following each introduction is an extensive catalogue of species, pairing full-colour photographs with brief descriptions that cover size, shape, flowering times and best growing conditions.
The book concludes with a handy Plant Selector, which helps gardeners to choose the most appropriate plants for species areas or functions in their garden or home.
Compiled and edited over several years by an expert team, this easy-to-use reference introduces a host of new and exciting possibilities for gardens and gardeners, both locally and across the globe.
Destined to become a standard reference for gardeners, horticulturists, nurserymen, landscapers and plant lovers.
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Snakes & Snakebite in Southern Africa
An essential guide to identifying all dangerous snakes in the region, as well as several commonly encountered harmless snakes, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa also describes the symptoms resulting from bites and gives practical advice on first aid measures.
Now fully revised and expanded, this third edition includes nine additional species, over 250 new photographs, and the latest medical information.
Simple icons, distribution maps, succinct text and full-colour photographs make this a clear, practical and easy-to-use guide.
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Tracker Manual
Featuring all-new spoor drawings, some 200 new photographs, and an extra 35 species, this fully revised and updated edition of the ever-popular Tracker Manual is packed with the latest on the art of tracking. Based on information developed by some of southern Africa’s best traditional trackers, Tracker Manual gives even more guidance on how to identify the spoor of some 190 animal species. Individual chapters cover carnivores, large mammals, antelopes, small mammals, primates, hares and rodents, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and insects. Each account contains:- Simple, bulleted text on key points of each animal’s tracks
- Clear, accurate track drawings
- Numerous informative photographs, sometimes annotated
- A list of similar tracks (where applicable) to avoid misidentification.
An instructive introduction describes the science of tracking and outlines what to look for in the field, while a quick-reference table compares tracks that are easily confused. This detailed and richly illustrated manual to the region’s most common animal tracks and signs will prove invaluable in the field. -
The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees
A celebration of the rich diversity and beauty of indigenous trees, The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees uncovers the fascinating world of trees and how they function.
Presented in two parts, the first explores the physiology and behaviour of trees and the second the grandeur of a select number of species, richly supported by photographs. A comprehensive introduction focuses on the complex life of trees, uncovering how they grow, compete for water, defend themselves and make use of photosynthesis to survive; their role in pollination; and the symbiotic relationships they have with each other and other life forms. Record-breakers such as the oldest, tallest and biggest trees are also featured.
The second half of the book showcases some 160 conspicuous species, including the iconic baobab, sausage tree and mopane tree, as well as lesser-known but interesting trees such as baboon’s breakfast. These accounts describe the unique traits of different trees and their various parts, and discusses how they are used by animals and birds, and by humans.
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Newman’s Birds by Colour (New Ed)
Newman’s Birds by Colour offers beginner birders a quick and simple way to identify southern Africa’s most common birds using colour as a starting point.
Now in its fourth edition, this handy illustrated guide has been updated to include the latest common names, expanded habitat information, and up-to-date distribution maps. An informative introduction provides practical tips for identifying birds, and includes information on bird anatomy and classification, and guidance on where to look for birds and what you need to go birding. -
Kids’ Cape Town Guidebook & Activities
Filled with activities and interesting facts about Cape Town, this book covers the city’s six most popular destinations: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the V&A Waterfront. With vibrant, full-colour illustrations throughout, this guidebook brings each destination to life with child-focused trivia and educational activities, such as puzzles, mazes, crosswords, secret codes and spot-the-difference. It also advises parents and children about what to pack and what to expect at each location.
Make the most of day trips in Cape Town with this fun, activity-packed companion
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Ericas of the Fynbos
Ericas come in an astonishing array of sizes, shapes and colours. Some 760 species, many of them found nowhere else, occur in the Cape Floristic region – a centre of unparalleled diversity for the genus and home to one of the world’s richest floras.
Even when in bloom, telling these delicate flowers apart is extremely challenging. In Ericas of the Fynbos, 170 of the region’s most common plants are described in detail, with key ID features highlighted for quick reference. In addition, information is given on distribution, flowering times, subspecies and similar species – providing more tools to aid accurate identification. Vivid full-colour photographs of each species showcase the astonishing variety and stunning beauty of the flowers. An informative introduction unpacks biology, pollination and distribution of erica species.
Enriched by a lively design, this innovative guide will give all flower enthusiasts, gardeners and hikers, the confidence to accurately identify ericas in the wild.
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (5th)
Ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar as Sasol Voëls van Suider Afrika (5de uitgawe)
Now in its fifth edition, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.
Key features of the 5th revised edition:
More than 800 new illustrations
Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app
Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations
Fresh input from new contributing authors
Comprehensive coverage of the region’s birds -
First Field Guide: Trees of Southern Africa
These natural history guides have been developed to encourage young people and anyone with a budding interest in natural history to learn about the wonders of southern Africa’s fascinating fauna and flora. They are an invaluable resource for the beginner, providing information at a glance: each of the species presented is described in easy-to-read text, with a photograph and distribution map. A short introduction gives context to the topic.